story regret prevention wisdom

"亡羊补牢" (wáng yáng bǔ láo) - Mending the Fold After Losing Sheep

亡羊补牢

Mending the sheepfold after some sheep have been lost is not too late.

Origins and Story

The proverb "亡羊补牢" originates from the Zhan Guo Ce (战国策), a historical text about the Warring States period. The story is about a man whose sheep escaped because his sheepfold had a hole. His friends advised him to fix the hole, but he didn't heed their advice. After losing more sheep, he finally realized his mistake and repaired the sheepfold. This story conveys that it's never too late to take corrective action after a loss.

Meaning and Usage

"亡羊补牢" literally translates to "lose sheep, mend the pen." It means to take precautions or correct errors after a loss has already occurred. It emphasizes that although it's best to prevent problems in the first place, taking action after a loss can still prevent further damage.

  • Example: “虽然这次投资失败了，但是亡羊补牢，及时调整策略，还能减少损失。” (“Suīrán zhè cì tóuzī shībài le, dànshì wáng yáng bǔ láo, jíshí tiáozhěng cèlüè, hái néng jiǎnshǎo sǔnshī.”) – “Although this investment failed, it’s not too late to mend the fold. Adjusting the strategy in time can still reduce losses.”

Cultural Significance of Chéngyǔ (成语)

"亡羊补牢" reminds us of the importance of:

  • Taking Responsibility: It encourages taking responsibility for mistakes and actively seeking solutions.
  • Learning from Experience: It highlights the value of learning from past experiences and taking preventative measures.
  • 知错就改 (zhī cuò jiù gǎi): To correct mistakes as soon as they are recognized.